adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A PASTOR from Mangwe has been arrested for assaulting a church elder during a service after the latter questioned a fasting programme that he had imposed on members.
Church of God in Zion pastor Ndumiso Sibanda, 45, of Makhubu area, was supposed to appear at the Plumtree magistrate’s court yesterday but the matter will proceed by way of summons as police are yet to record statements from witnesses.
The pastor is facing assault charges following the attack on church member Fanyana Phuthi, 47, on November 1 at around 4PM.
Sibanda allegedly lost his temper and used his stick to assault the church elder once on his ear and right arm.
The Chronicle spoke to both Phuthi and Sibanda yesterday, with the pastor saying they had fought.
Phuthi said his pastor beat him up with a shepherd’s crook for questioning him about a fasting programme that he wanted to implement.
“We were through with the service but church members were still gathered as they were discussing church programmes. The pastor was chairing and he said he wanted us to have a prayer and fasting programme and he went on to impose a date on us,” said Phuthi.
‘’I however, pointed out that the congregants had to suggest their own date because the last time the pastor imposed a date on a similar programme and later cancelled it himself.’’
Phuthi said the pastor was angry with him and attacked him with a stick that he was holding.
He said the pastor pointed out that he did not have the authority to question his decisions.
Phuthi said Sibanda attacked him while church members watched.
He claimed that Sibanda wanted to continue assaulting him, but church members restrained him.
Phuthi said he then proceeded to the police station and reported the matter.
Sibanda, however, said he did not assault Phuthi, but they had fought.
“We fought with Phuthi and he beat me up in as much as I beat him up. It’s just that I overpowered him that’s why he rushed to report the matter. He is disrespectful and he doesn’t respect me which explains why we had the encounter in the first place,” said the pastor.
Online Reporter